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Plan N vs Plan K in Washington
By Vadim Marusin, licensed Medicare insurance agent in Washington (WAOIC #1365574). Insurer data checked against the state chart current as of October 8, 2026.
How the two standardized plans differ, who each fits, and how many insurers sell each in Washington.
Benefits side by side
| Benefit | N | K |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance, plus 365 extra hospital days after Medicare benefits end | 100% | 100% |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copay | 100% | 50% |
| Part B coinsurance or copay (the 20%) | 100%* | 50% |
| Medicare preventive care Part B coinsurance | 100% | 100% |
| First 3 pints of blood | 100% | 50% |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | 100% | 50% |
| Part A deductible | 100% | 50% |
| Part B deductible | – | – |
| Part B excess charges | – | – |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | 80% | – |
| Yearly out-of-pocket limit | – | $8,000 |
Plan N
Plan N covers the same hospital, skilled nursing and Part B coinsurance as Plan G, except for copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't lead to admission. It doesn't pay Part B excess charges.
Fits: People whose doctors accept Medicare assignment and who want a lower premium than Plan G in exchange for small copays.
Plan K
Plan K pays 50% of most Medicare cost-sharing, including the Part A deductible, until you reach a yearly out-of-pocket limit ($8,000 in 2026), then 100% for the rest of the year. Preventive care and hospital coinsurance are covered in full.
Fits: People who want catastrophic protection with a low premium and can handle sharing costs up to the limit.
What each leaves you paying
| Plan | Most you could owe for covered care in a year | What you pay along the way | Part B excess charges | Emergency care abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $283 (the Part B deductible) | Nothing | Covered | 80% after $250 |
| Plan N | $283 plus copays | Up to $20 for some office visits, up to $50 for ER visits that don't lead to admission | Not covered | 80% after $250 |
| High-deductible Plan G | Up to $2,950 | You pay until the deductible is met, then nothing | Covered after the deductible | 80% after $250 |
| Plan K | Up to $8,000, plus the Part B deductible | 50% of most costs until the limit | Not covered | Not covered |
| Plan L | Up to $4,000, plus the Part B deductible | 25% of most costs until the limit | Not covered | Not covered |
| Plan A | $1,736 per hospital benefit period, plus $283 | Part A deductible and skilled nursing coinsurance | Not covered | Not covered |
Plan pages: Plan N · Plan K · All comparisons
Common questions
What's the difference between Plan N and Plan K?
They differ on: Part A hospice care coinsurance or copay; Part B coinsurance or copay (the 20%); First 3 pints of blood; Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance; Part A deductible; Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits).
How many insurers sell Plan N and Plan K in Washington?
16 sell Plan N and 4 sell Plan K on the current state chart.